After more than a decade of the Nintendo Switch dominating the handheld gaming market, and with challengers like the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go making waves, a true contender has finally arrived: the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. But how well does it stack up against these giants, and is it really the handheld PC gamers have been waiting for?

Let’s dive into it.

ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme – Hardware Specs

Before jumping into real-world use, here’s a quick look at what’s under the hood:

  • Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8-core, 16-thread, Zen 4 architecture)
  • GPU: Integrated AMD RDNA 3 Graphics
  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • Display: 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) 120Hz touchscreen
  • Operating System: Windows 11
  • Battery Life: Up to 3 hours (real-world gaming usage)
  • Weight: 608g

One Year Later – A Handheld Beast That Keeps Getting Better

I’ve now used the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme for over a year, and what continues to impress me is ASUS’s dedication to ongoing support—both in terms of hardware updates and regular software patches. It’s rare to see a gaming handheld receive this level of polish post-launch.

Gaming Performance

Titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and God of War run impressively smooth on the device. While most AAA games play between 30-60 FPS, optimizing graphics settings or enabling FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) can push performance even further. I’ve personally completed Avowed and Spider-Man on the Ally, and they played wonderfully—after some tweaks. Some titles, like Avowed, needed a bit of extra optimization to run smoothly, which highlights an important point: this is a handheld PC. You’ll need to understand basic system optimization—closing background apps, tweaking power profiles, and knowing how to manage Windows efficiently—to truly unleash its full potential.

Ergonomics and Build Quality – Comfort Meets Function

In terms of comfort and ergonomics, the ROG Ally truly shines. It feels better in the hand than a Nintendo Switch, thanks to its well-designed grips and thoughtful button layout. The controls mimic an Xbox One controller, offering familiar tactile feedback for console players. The 120Hz display is a standout feature—it’s crisp, bright, and makes fast-paced games look buttery smooth. Whether you’re swinging through New York as Spider-Man or exploring the open West in RDR2, the visual experience is stellar.

Promotional image of the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming console with glowing controls, showcased under futuristic lighting with the slogan “#playALLYourgames”
ASUS promotes its ROG Ally handheld gaming PC with the tagline “#playALLYourgames,” highlighting the device’s versatility across all major game platforms.

Software, Compatibility & UI

Thanks to Windows 11, the ROG Ally is compatible with Steam, EA, Ubisoft, Rockstar, and Epic Games launchers—everything just works. The Armoury Crate SE software has become more intuitive with updates, offering customizable performance modes and easy game library management. However, built-in features like AMD RSR and Fluid Motion Frames don’t yet live up to their promises. Your best bet for upscaling and improved performance is using in-game FSR, or third-party tools like Lossless Scaling, which I highly recommend—it can significantly boost FPS and smoothness.

Downsides – Where It Falls Short

  • Battery Life: Expect 2.5 to 3 hours on most AAA games. Lighter indie titles can stretch this a bit.
  • No Built-In Kickstand: ASUS only provides a cardboard stand in the box. Investing in a sleeve or third-party stand is a must.
  • Learning Curve: If you’re not familiar with PC gaming, the ROG Ally has a learning curve. Optimization is essential.
  • Feature Gaps: Certain promised software features (like RSR) don’t deliver the performance boost you might expect.

Final Verdict: Is the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Worth It?

Rating: (3/5)

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme (512GB) is one of the most powerful and versatile handheld gaming PCs on the market. It offers smooth AAA gaming, great ergonomics, and broad compatibility at a competitive price (~600 €). It’s especially appealing for gamers on the go who want more flexibility than a Switch or Steam Deck can provide. However, it’s not plug-and-play. You’ll need to invest time learning how to get the most from it. Battery life could be better, and some features fall short. Still, with tools like Lossless Scaling and smart system management, the Ally transforms into a mini beast.

Who is it for?

  • Great for: PC-savvy gamers, travelers, performance enthusiasts
  • Not for: Casual users looking for a console-like experience out of the box

If you’re willing to learn the ins and outs of handheld PC gaming, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is an excellent investment.

Buy ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme on Amazon